Small town mayor’s nephew, 7, is tragically found dead near Albany
A Michigan mayor’s seven-year-old nephew who mysteriously disappeared has been found dead.
Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi shared on social media Sunday that his nephew, Harbe Nagi, had gone missing in Menands, New York and was last seen in the Park Drive area.
Harbe, who was autistic and non-verbal, was believed by police to have strayed away from a family gathering, WTEN-TV reported.
The seven-year-old’s lifeless body was discovered in a neighbor’s backyard pool, the Times Union reported.
Harbe’s family said he was a ‘wanderer’ and had a strong interest in nature, especially water.
The nearby pool had been searched several times after the boy vanished, but investigators did not see his body at the bottom of the clouded water, Menands Police Lt Kevin Schwebke told the outlet.
Harbe’s body later surfaced and was discovered Tuesday morning, with police confirming his cause of death was an accidental drowning.
‘The circumstances surrounding Harbe’s death remain under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as appropriate,’ the Menands Police Department wrote.
Harbe Nagi, 7, mysteriously disappeared on Sunday and was later found dead
Harbe, who was autistic and non-verbal, was believed by police to have strayed away from a family gathering
The grief-stricken mayor shared the tragedy on Facebook, writing: ‘We are devastated to share that he has been found deceased. Thank you to everyone who helped in the search’
The grief-stricken mayor shared the tragedy on Facebook, writing: ‘We are devastated to share that he has been found deceased. Thank you to everyone who helped in the search.’
In an earlier press release, the Menands Police Department said Harbe had visited the area where he went missing but did not live there, and that concerns over his disappearance were heightened because he was autistic.
There were no signs of foul play or any suspicious persons linked to his disappearance, according to police.
A $10,000 reward was offered on Monday by the seven-year-old’s family for his safe return, WNYT reported.
Alharbi told the outlet about Harbe’s past history of escaping from home.
‘The child was trying to escape the house,’ he said. ‘He has autism. He’s tried to escape the house several times before, but the mom would follow him and get him back into the house.’
The boy went missing in Menands, New York and was last seen in the Park Drive area
The boy’s funeral will be held on Thursday, July 2, in Latham, New York.
‘I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences we have received during this incredibly difficult time,’ Alharbi said on Tuesday.
‘Your kindness has been a source of great strength for our family.’ he added.
